In the next few weeks, I will be teaching our Celebrate Recovery family on the importance of embracing the practice of vulnerability on a Tuesday night at Believers Church. Asking my hearers to consider how vulnerability with one-self, God, and others is more of a strength than a weakness, and a critical step in addressing their struggles and journey toward becoming a healthier person. Given how vulnerability is viewed within our culture, coming against the prevailing message is challenging and unsettling. So, I approach these coming weeks with an awareness, I make people feel awkward.
Yeah, I know that sounds negative, but I have come to cherish the role. I love to challenge the notion that we must needlessly, endlessly hide from ourselves, God and others, living life in the shadows of who we really are. Over the last 30 years in my Wednesday morning Bible study, I can recall multiple times I have shared my inner struggles with my non-CR brothers, only to see them stuff another donut in their mouths so they wouldn’t have to share. Vulnerability for guys is generally seen as weakness, and we all know we cannot have any of that. The problem for me is the Holy Spirit keeps egging me on….maybe it’s the Spiritual Gift of fortitude (courage), or maybe I am just simply obnoxious…. Some people are fools for Christ, some of us…. maybe we’re just obnoxious for Christ.
I encourage you to consider finding freedom in fully submitting to Jesus Christ for His redemption, and journey to growing into the real you. I believe we are all broken and will not be healthy, whole & complete until we are with Christ, so this journey will last the rest of your life. I believe with all my heart that it is worth the work. Jesus is the key, and while this world offers many counterfeits, pursue your Creator.
Having struggled to reconcile my hurts and issues over a lifetime with dead family members has been, and is, daunting. Not impossible, but very difficult. That’s a key driver to me to always urge my hearers to address their issues (hurts, habits & addictions…mental health issues….et cetera) with the living. I have observed healings, great senses of relief and releases of unbearable burdens when people forgive, make amends, and clarify longstanding misunderstandings. You must want it badly enough to submit to the pain of the process, but it is the true added value to a life well lived I want you all to experience.
If you ever….ever, have questions about the decision points, the journey, the cost, and the peace with God for which you search, contact me……..
Blessings, Brother Rob